1Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
Neil.Grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC PROPOSES TO REMOVE NONDISCRIMINATION REQUIREMENTS TO 
FACILITATE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS 
SERVICES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CUBA
WASHINGTON, February 12, 2016 – The Federal Communications Commission today took 
steps to promote international telecommunications services between the United States and 
Cuba by proposing to remove nondiscrimination requirements on the U.S.-Cuba route. 
 
Currently, the Commission’s nondiscrimination rules require all facilities-based U.S. carriers 
providing the same or similar services on the U.S.-Cuba route to operate under identical rate 
terms and conditions.  In 2012, the Commission removed nondiscrimination requirements for 
U.S. carriers operating between the United States and other countries.  Cuba is the only country 
to which the nondiscrimination requirements still apply.  If the proposal is adopted, U.S. 
carriers would have more flexibility to negotiate rates with the state-owned 
telecommunications operator, ETECSA, and to respond to market forces.  
 
Today’s action responds to a recommendation from the State Department to remove the 
nondiscrimination requirements based on the changes in U.S.-Cuba relations, and seeks 
comment on whether such an action would serve the public interest.  In particular, today’s 
action seeks comment on removing certain nondiscrimination requirements and asks whether 
removal would lead to more direct agreements between U.S. carriers and the state-owned 
telecommunications operator, ETECSA, and encourage competition on the U.S.-Cuba route.  
The FCC continues work to increase connectivity between the United States and Cuba and 
access to telecommunications services within Cuba.  The agency recently removed Cuba from 
the Exclusion List, opening the door for U.S. telecom carriers to provide facilities-based 
services to Cuba without separate approval from the Commission.  While these actions should 
lead to increased competition on the U.S.-Cuba route, the Commission will continue to 
maintain safeguards designed to protect U.S. consumers should any market failures occur on 
the U.S.-Cuba route.  
Action by the Commission February 10, 2016 by Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 
16-13).  Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, and Pai approving; 
Commissioner O’Rielly concurring.  Commissioners Pai and O’Rielly issuing statements.  
IB Docket Nos. 11-80, 10-95, 05-254, RM-11322
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2Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes 
official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).